HL Deb 25 June 1959 vol 217 cc298-9
LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what hormones are used in cosmetic preparations; what research has been conducted to elucidate the effects on the health of the users of long continued use of such preparations; and what control is exercised over sale of such cosmetics.]

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have no reliable information as to the extent to which hormones are used in cosmetic preparations, the nature of the hormones used, or the amounts included, as no special authority is required to market preparations of this nature, and information as to the contents is not necessarily declared on the package or label. We understand, however, that where hormones are included in such preparations they are of an oestrogenic type, and are usually in comparatively small amounts. The pharmacological effects of oestrogens are known, and the Medical Research Council feel that no further investigations are called for. Their view is that, when oestrogens are given as an external application in very small doses—for example, as an ingredient of a cream—they have little, if any, effect.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

My Lords, is it not the case that these preparations are absorbed through the skin; and is it not also the case that hormones are being consumed from other sources—such, for example, as those implanted into chickens in order to caponise them, or used to control sprouting potatoes—and that there is in all this a potential danger?

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

I would only reiterate what I have said. Oestrogens are known not to have any of these effects when used externally in small doses.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

Might I ask the noble Earl whether he is aware that other civilised countries have taken steps to control the addition of hormones to cosmetic preparations?

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, would Her Majesty's Government not agree that the use of cosmetics over a long period, with or without hormones, would certainly lead to the ruin of any woman's complexion?

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, I think that that is beyond my province.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, would Her Majesty's Government not agree that this is merely a racket?